Tsuruya Ryokan

8.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.7/10, based on 638 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Old Town Shopping Area Garden Setting Public Onsen Indoor Bath Massage
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 8,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A long-running Karuizawa ryokan in Old Karuizawa with walkable sightseeing and a relaxed traditional stay.

Old Karuizawa BaseRight by Kyukaruizawa Ginza, handy for strolling, shopping, and local sightseeing.
Easy Station AccessAbout five minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station and the Shinkansen.
Traditional Karuizawa FeelOne of Karuizawa's established ryokan stays, blending classic atmosphere with comfort.
Well-Regarded MealsJapanese meals are a recurring highlight, praised for balance and satisfying quality.
Relaxed Room StylesJapanese and Western-style room options suit different sleep and comfort preferences.
Calm, Friendly StayGuests often note kind service, clean surroundings, and an easygoing ambiance.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsLocation is the main driver here: you can check in early, walk Old Karuizawa Ginza and nearby churches, have a Japanese course dinner, use the large bath, sleep in tatami or hybrid rooms, then use the next morning for breakfast and a final stroll before moving on. A second night works if you want a slower Karuizawa pace or add nearby nature and pass-area sights, but the ryokan itself is not a remote destination stay.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1- to 2-night Old Karuizawa stay for travelers who want a traditional ryokan feel with easy strolling, dining, and light sightseeing rather than a deep onsen retreat.

Know before booking

Not a true onsenIt has a large public bath, but verified listings do not clearly indicate natural hot spring water.
Some rooms are simpleSeveral room types are modest, and some traditional rooms lack an in-room bath or shower.
Winter room limitsThe back wooden building closes roughly from late October to late April, reducing room choice.
Dinner timing mattersIf taking dinner, late arrival can be inconvenient, so it works better with a stable afternoon arrival.

Food & drinks

Verified Old Karuizawa ryokan with Japanese course dinner and buffet breakfast, plus easy access to well-known nearby dining on Kyukaruizawa Ginza.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for Japanese course dinner and buffet breakfast.

  • Japanese course dinnerfoodTraditional multi-course evening meal.
  • Buffet breakfastfoodMixed Japanese and Western breakfast.
  • Bread and jamfoodSimple Western breakfast items.
  • Coffee and teadrinkTypical breakfast drinks.
Kawakamian (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Popular soba restaurant on Old Karuizawa dining circuit.

  • Shinshu sobafoodCold or hot buckwheat noodles.
  • TempurafoodCrisp seasonal fried items.
  • SakedrinkPairs well with soba dishes.
Sawamura (nearby)
nearbyabout 0.2 mi

Old Karuizawa bakery restaurant and cafe with terrace seating.

  • Artisan breadfoodHouse bakery breads and rolls.
  • CoffeedrinkCafe staple for breakfast or breaks.
  • PastriesfoodSweet baked items to go.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in Old Karuizawa and is most practically reached from Karuizawa Station by short taxi ride, local bus, or a longer walk.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A characterful long-established ryokan in Old Karuizawa, best for travelers who want classic atmosphere and a prime strolling location rather than a resort-style stay. It is especially appealing if you value charm, dinner on site, and easy access to Kyukaruizawa’s shops and sights.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Prime Old Karuizawa settingThe ryokan sits at 678 Kyukaruizawa, right by the old shopping street area, making it easy to explore cafés, boutiques, and the historic center on foot.
  • Atmospheric historic characterIts interiors emphasize early Showa-era furniture and nostalgic décor, so the stay feels distinctly old Karuizawa rather than like a generic modern hotel.
  • Traditional meals with local flavorDinner is served as a Japanese course meal with a creative touch, while breakfast uses Karuizawa ingredients in buffet style, which adds more personality than a simple overnight stay.
  • Relaxing mineral bath experienceThe bath uses Karuizawa natural water treated as a soft mineral bath, giving guests an easy on-site way to unwind after walking around town.
  • Strong service reputationGuest ratings indicate especially strong staff performance, which is reassuring if you want a ryokan stay with attentive hospitality rather than a self-service feel.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not close enough to walk from the station for most peopleJR Karuizawa Station is about 2 km away, so with luggage most travelers will likely want a taxi instead of walking.
  • No shuttle serviceThe property states that it does not provide pick-up service, which makes arrival less convenient than at some higher-end ryokans.
  • Road access can be awkwardBecause it is on the Old Karuizawa Ginza area, seasonal pedestrian restrictions and congestion can make arriving by car less straightforward.
  • Wi-Fi is not a standout featureGuest scoring suggests internet performance is weaker than the ryokan’s other strengths, so it may not be ideal for work-heavy stays.
  • More classic than luxuriousThe appeal here is heritage atmosphere and quiet comfort, so travelers wanting sleek contemporary design, in-room hot spring baths, or large resort facilities may find it modest.

Ranking around this ryokan in Nagano

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 62nd out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
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59th Sunrise Meiji-ya 9.3/10 15
60th Sawaemon 9.1/10 23
61st Otogitei Kofu 8.8/10 97
62nd Tsuruya Ryokan Current ryokan 8.7/10 638
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64th Yudanaka Seifuso 8.7/10 461
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66th Ichinokurasou 8.7/10 157
67th Yokokura Ryokan 8.7/10 133
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